ESPN is calling the loss of the seven Catholic schools “the latest in a dizzying array of defections from the Big East.” The loss of the seven schools will bring the number of Big East departures since 2004 up to 17.

The sports news source reported that Michael L. Aresco, commissioner of the Providence-based Big East, told athletic directors of the remaining and incoming schools that he expects seven schools will leave the Big East. Aresco said he had not officially heard from the seven schools that they were leaving.

The seven schools conducted a teleconference with Aresco on Thursday morning and have scheduled a second conference call for Saturday. ESPN said it expects the schools to address issues with exit fees and waiting periods, among other things, and possibly make an official declaration during the Saturday call.

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